URBANA — Thirteen years ago, Felicia Tufano received a life-changing call from Urbana High School shortly after graduating from the University of Illinois-Chicago. In a time when English teaching jobs were in short supply, she was offered a position in Urbana, where she’s worked ever since.
Tufano doesn’t just teach 10th- to 12th-grade English classes. She’s also run the school’s yearbook and its newspaper, “The Echo.” This year, she was honored with a Shining Star Award from the Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation for her tireless work.
I find my work important because … Through our experiences in school, we learn so many life lessons: how to collaborate, to communicate, to resolve conflict, to persevere through struggle and to speak our minds (just to name a few!). Educational spaces are invaluable in helping students navigate their way toward adulthood.
I became a teacher because … my mom always told me that education was something no one could take away from me. She spoke of learning as something to be revered, something that could give me independence, strength and confidence. I want my students to feel the same way.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … when we read Chapter 1 of Khaled Hosseini’s “And the Mountains Echoed” about a terrifying creature called “the div.” When the div taps on your roof, you must choose one of your children to give as a sacrifice. If you do not make the choice, he will take all of your children. There are twists and turns throughout the story, and we use it as a vehicle to learn about how to make tough decisions, how to challenge our preconceived notions, and how to navigate ethical dilemmas. This is the one story every student is enthralled by, which makes for really meaningful discussion.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … I see students working together to solve a problem. It could be as simple as lending out their computer charger or as in depth as helping someone write a thesis statement for their essay, but when I see peers helping each other out, I can’t help but feel optimistic about the future.
I keep students engaged by … trying to connect what we’re learning in class to real life and working hard to accomplish that goal. I want my students to see that I respect their time and effort, and once they get to know me, they know that if I’m asking them to do something, it’s because it is important.
Something else I’m passionate about is … football. Whether it’s watching the Bears (losing, most likely) or fanatically checking the waiver wire for free agents to add to my fantasy football roster, from August until February if I’m not thinking about school, I’m probably thinking about football.
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school were … English with Mr. Lovegren at Lincoln Way East. He had such a passion for the subject and a great sense of humor that we almost forgot we were in school. He challenged us every day, but because of his positivity and support, his class felt easy. That takes a lot of skill!
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … a journalist. I had no experience in journalism prior to taking over “The Echo” and instantly fell in love with the newsroom. There’s no better feeling than publishing breaking news or putting the final touches on a story to meet a deadline. As the adviser, I’ve never had my own byline, but my staff assures me they feel the same way!
I’m spending my summer break …taking more classes! My students roll their eyes when I too often exclaim “I love learning!,” but they know I mean it. There’s nothing better than reading a really good article in the pool, pen in hand.
— Anthony Zilis